I remember walking into the building in Downtown Columbus feeling a bit nervous. I had never been to this place before or an event like this one either. I decided to wear my hair in a new style, thinking it would make me look edgy and trendy. It was the first natural hair event I had ever attended so I wanted to fit in and be cool like the other women who I figured had been natural far longer than I had been. It was only a year ago that I decided to cut off 6 inches of hair and start fresh with completely unaltered relaxer free hair.

I was still trying to figure things out with my hair when I got the invitation for the Natural Hair Meet-up Day. It read,

Come gather with Naturalistas from Columbus and enjoy food, fun, live entertainment, giveaways, and hair tutorials! The first 50 people to register will get a swag bag full of product samples.

It was the hair tutorials that inspired me to spend four hours on a Saturday and pay $20 to attend since I really needed help with my hair.

When I walked through the doors of the loft, I immediately felt at home. The space was just big enough for the intimate gathering with a small stage at the front, a few vendor tables lined along the back wall, and round tables in the center of the room with white linens and comfortable chairs. Windows lined three walls of the room so sunlight poured into the space, illuminating every beautiful woman in the room. Continue reading →

I miss my pug, Fredo. I haven’t seen him in 3 days since I’ve been on a trip with my Mom and sister. He’s the best dog ever – sweet, smart, and adorable.

What’s the story behind your name? (Or do you have any idea why your parents gave you that name?)

My parents chose my name a week before I was born. It was supposed to be named Jessica, but at the last-minute my Mom changed her mind because of a good friend she had named Jasmine.

What is the one thing you are most proud of?

I am most proud of staying courageous throughout all of my life’s challenges and stressful times. The one thing I have always been about to do is believe that I can make it through as long as I stay true to myself. Life isn’t over yet, so I hope to have many more proud moments.

If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?